Disney's New Live Action 'The Little Mermaid' Won't Have A Red-Headed Ariel!

Disney has announced a huge number of upcoming live-action adaptations of its animated classics this year. Fans can look forward to seeing Belle, Mulan, Tinkerbell, Aladdin, Pinocchio and more appear on the big screen in the future. However, one of the most exciting projects on the horizon that has already starting casting is The Little Mermaid. This is technically not Disney-made, much like one of the two live-action Jungle Book films, but for every little girl who grew up in the '90s, The Little Mermaid is synonymous with Disney.

Yes, this 1989 classic about a young merwoman who barters her voice for a pair of legs will be re-made in live-action gloriousness, and will be starring the incredible Chloe Grace Moretz (Kick-Ass, The Equalizer) as Ariel.

However, it seems that one very recognizable element will be missing from the new version: her bright red hair!

In an interview with Entertainment Tonight, Moretz revealed that although she wanted to dye her locks for the film, she will actually remain blonde.

It seems that the new adaptation will be based on the original Hans Christian Anderson fairy tale, rather than the Disney animation, in which our little mermaid was, indeed, blonde. This will be a huge issue for those fans expecting a Cinderella-style shot-for-shot remake, but it does suggest that this is going to be a whole new take on the tale.

"We're making it progressive for women in this day and age." - Moretz

The young actress also says that the film will be more progressive – which isn't too surprising, as the Disney animation is often criticized for suggesting that women should aspire to change their physical appearance to impress a man. Critics have also claimed that the idea that a silent woman is an attractive or desirable one is an unacceptable message for girls to hear.

However, the original story isn't that much better. Instead of simply trading her voice, the Little Mermaid must also endure excruciating pain with every step. The happy ending is also noticeably absent; instead of a unified ocean/land kingdom and a big white dress, the Anderson mermaid ends up rejected by her prince and broken hearted, and dissolves into sea foam. Lovely.

Presumably, this major change means that we'll be seeing an entirely new take on everyone's favorite mermaid, which could make for a wonderful new Disney-esque... tail.